Real stories

Read or listen to real stories from people affected by visible difference, their parents and families, as well as Changing Faces staff and volunteers. Inspired to share your story? We’d love to hear it – share your story now.

All stories

Laura, a woman with alopecia. She has green eyes and is wearing a red fleece with a grey lining and looking at the camera. There's a field behind her.

Laura’s story: “I am finally becoming the role model I needed”

15 September 2021

Sharing her story online put Laura on a path towards embracing her hair loss. Now she's helping others to celebrate what makes each of us different.

Amanda, a woman in her 40s, who has a cleft lip and palate. She has light brown hair and is wearing a black floral blouse, a black robe with a red lining, and a black hat. She is smiling at the camera.

Amanda’s story: “I wish I’d had a safe space at school”

8 September 2021

Amanda felt ostracized by her friends when she transitioned to secondary school. Now she's encouraging others to speak out about bullying and get support.

Abbie, an 18-year-old woman, who has facial scars. She has long blonde hair and is wearing a white halter top and pink skirt. She's sitting outdoors in a patio chair in a garden.

Abbie’s story: “Confident in my own skin”

18 August 2021

After struggling with self-confidence at school, Abbie is now embracing her scars and sharing her story to help others feel less alone.

Kevin, a man, 30s, with short dark brown hair, stubble and glasses. The right side of his face droops due to loss of muscle control. He's wearing a purple shirt.

Kevin’s story: “We’re all human”

11 August 2021

Kevin lost muscle control on the right side of his face after an operation as a child. He recently wrote a memoir about his life experiences.

Head shot of Leanne, who is wearing a blue shirt and has long blonde hair and a fringe

Leanne explains how we’re reopening our Skin Camouflage Service

21 July 2021

After 13 months’ temporary closure, our Head of Skin Camouflage Service, Leanne, explains how we’re getting our clinics safely reopened.

Sophie, a woman in her 20s, with long dark hair. She has a scar on her forehead and eyebrow. She's wearing a pink blouse.

Sophie’s story: “Comments from people are a reflection of them, not me”

7 July 2021

Sophie talks about how she learned to accept her scars and deal with people's reactions.

Christine, a woman with burns, 40s, she has black hair and is standing in front of some branches and leaves.

Christine’s story: “Dealing with my scars”

30 June 2021

Christine, who sustained burns at the age of 3, tells us how pursuing her dream to be a performer started her on a journey towards self-acceptance.

Shankar, who has vitiligo, wearing a white top and denim jacket. He is looking at the camera with a big smile. In the background are shelves with produce and a till.

Shankar’s story: “It takes time to embrace who you are”

25 June 2021

Our ambassador Shankar explains why he celebrates World Vitiligo Day, and how to find the right support for you.

Natalie, a woman with vitiligo. She has shoulder length brown hair and is wearing a white strappy top and staring towards the camera, with her hands near her collar bone.

Natalie’s story: “World Vitiligo Day and what it means to me”

17 June 2021

Our campaigner Natalie discusses her experiences with vitiligo, World Vitiligo Day and the importance of educating people about the condition.

Crystal, a women in her early 20s with a skin flap. She's wearing a white blouse and black trousers and holding a rose and a graduation certificate from LAMDA. Behind her is a wall covered all over with the word 'LAMDA'

Crystal’s story: “You can stand out and be the change you want to see”

9 June 2021

Crystal talks about studying at LAMDA drama school and why it's important that actors with visible differences get the chance to play more diverse roles.

Dylan, a teenager, wearing a yellow hoodie and a blue backpack. He's outside walking down a forest path and has turned his head to smile at the camera.

Dylan’s story: “I have learned it’s ok to be different”

2 June 2021

Dylan talks about how educating his classmates about his visible difference helped him grow in confidence and make friends.

Ella, one of our campaigners, wearing a Changing Faces running singlet and smiling at the camera.

Ella’s story: “No one cared that I looked different”

19 May 2021

For Ella, running has not only helped her build confidence and make friends, it's also helped her to educate people about visible difference.